Female jouster strikes a blow for equality
A female jouster has struck a blow for equality at fairytale castle in Derbyshire.
Horsewoman Alix van Zijl took the reins against three leading male ‘knights’ at a medieval re-enactment event at Bolsover Castle this weekend.
It was the first time visitors got to witness her in action against her male competitors.
English Heritage announced back in June that female jousters would be taking in part in tournaments across the country.
Dressed in full armour and armed with a 3.3m long lance, Alix charged on horseback at a combined closing speed of up to 25mph.
She's hoping to encourage more girls and women to break down the barriers - which are hundreds of years old - and take up jousting.
Watch Lisa Walton's report:
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